Phenanthrene-2-carboxylic acids

ABSTRACT

PROCESSES AND INTERMEDIATES FOR THE SYNETHESIS OF CIS AND TRANS RACEMATES OF PHENANTHRENE-2-CARBOXYLIC ACIDS.

United States Patent ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Processes and intermediates for the synthesis of cis and trans racemates of phenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acids. 7

The present invention relates to novel processes and novel intermediates useful for the synthesis of phenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acids. More particularly, this invention relates to novel processes for the synthesis of cis and trans racemates of a phenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid and derivatives therefor having the general Formula A:

wherein Each of Z and Z is a carbon-carbon single bond or carbon-carbon double bond, provided that Z is a carboncarbon double bond when Z is a carbon-carbon double bond;

R is hydrogen, hydroxy, lower alkoxy, oyclopentyloxy, cyclohexyloxy, tetrahydropyran-2'-yloxy, tetrahydrofuran- 2'-yloxy or lower acyloxy;

R is hydrogen, hydroxy, lower alkoxy, cyclopentyloxy, cyclohexyloxy, tetrahydropyran-2'-yloxy, tetrahydrofuran- 2'-yloxy, lower acyloxy or lower alkyl;

R is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl;

R is methyl, ethyl, or propyl;

R is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl or propyl; and

R is hydrogen, potassium, sodium or lower alkyl, provided that when R is potassium or sodium that eadh of R and R is other than lower acyloxy.

The term lower alkyl, as used herein, means a straight or branched chain hydrocarbon group of up to six carbon atoms, inclusive, such as methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, n-hexyl, and the like. The term lower alkoxy means the group OAlk wherein Alk is lower alkyl as defined hereinaibove. The term lower acyloxy or lower acyl means a hydrocarbon carboxylic acyloxy or acyl group containing up to six carbon atoms, inclusive, and is of a straight or branched chain structure such as acetoxy, propionoxy, trimethylacetoxy, acetyl, propionyl, butyryl, and the like. The wavy 4 Claims ice lines i at the 1-position of the phenanthrene nucleus indicates alpha or beta configuration, i.e. the dl-cis and d1- trans isomers of the above formula. The wavy lines 5 at the 10-position of the phenanthrene nucleus indicates alpha or beta configuration for the R substituent.

7 An object of the present invention is to provide efiicient processes for the synthesis of cis and trans rac'emates of a phenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid and derivatives therefor of the above Formula A. Another object is to provide valuable key intermediates having the desired stereochemistry for the preparation of these acids and derivatives thereof. Another object is the preparation of novel phenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acids and esters and salts thereof. Additional objects and other meritorious features of the present invention will become apparent as the invention is described hereinafter in detail and from the appended claims.

In accordance with the present invention, compounds of Formula A above are prepared according to the processes outlined in Chart B below.

(III B wherein M is potassium or sodium; R is lower alkyl; and all other substituents are as defined hereinabove.

In the practice of the processes as outlined in Chart B, an isothiouronium acetate salt of Formula I is commingled with, and reacted with, a tetronic acid of Formula II in an aqueous solution of a water-miscible organic solvent such as methanol, ethanol, diethylene glycol monethyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, and the like, at about room temperature for a period of from about 1 to 40 hours to afford a tricyclic compound of Formula III. Preferably, the isothiouronium salt is condensed with the tetronic acid at room temperature in aqueous ethanol for a period of about 16 hours. Treatment of the tricyclic compou d III in chloroform,

4 or the like containing a trace of acid, e.g. hydrochloric acid, furnishes the tricyclic compound IIIA.

A tricyclic compound of Formula III, IIIA, or a mixture thereof is then contacted with an acid, preferably a strong acid, either alone or in an organic solvent inert to the reaction such as benzene, xylene, dioxane, and the like at a temperature of from about room temperature to the reflux temperature of the solvent for a period of about 1 to 12 hours to form a tetracyclic enol lactone of Formula IV. Exemplary of the inorganic and organic acids suitable for this reaction are p-toluenesulfonic acid, sulfosalicyclic acid, anhydrous orthophosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, formic acid, and the like. Preferably, this ring cyclization is effected by treatment with p-toluenesulfonic acid in benzene at reflux for about four hours.

A tetracyclic enol lactone of Formula IV is then converted into either the corresponding 6,7-dehydro compound V or a keto acid salt of Formula VI (VI, Z is a single bond).

Conversion of a tetracyclic enol lactone (IV) into the corresponding 6,7-dehydro (V) is accomplished by heating the tetracyclic enol lactone in an organic solvent inert to the reaction in the presence of a palladium catalyst such as palladium on charcoal, palladium on barium sulfate, and the like, either alone or in the presence of a hydrogen acceptor such as maleic acid or the like. Suitable organic solvents include benzene, xylene, and the like. The 6,7-dehydro compound V can also be obtained by ring cyclization of the novel tricyclic compound IIIB by treatment with an acid as described in connection with III, IIIA and mixtures thereof. The compound of Formula IIIB is obtained by treating a compound of Formula IIIA in an inert organic solvent, e.g. benzene, with a palladium catalyst and optionally in the presence of a hydrogen acceptor such as maleic acid or the like.

Conversion of a tetracyclic enol lactone of Formula IV into a novel cis keto acid salt of Formula VI (VI, Z is a single bond) is carried out by treatment with an aqueous water-miscible organic solvent solution of a base such as the alkali metal hydroxides, and the like at about room temperature for a period of the order of about 1 to 3 hours. In this conversion, caution must be exercised with regard to the reaction time in that by using a reaction time of 3 hours or less there is obtained the cis keto acid salt whereas reaction times extending beyond about 3 hours lead to formation of the trans keto acid salt, or in other words, formation of the trans keto acid salt is increasingly promoted as the reaction time extends beyond 3 hours.

Similarly, a 6,7-dehydro of the tetracyclic enol lactone of Formula IV, i.e. a compound of Formula V is converted into a novel cis keto acid salt of Formula VI wherein Z is a double bond by treatment with an aqueous Water-miscible organic solvent solution of a base. In this conversion, there is preferably used an aqueous ethanolic solution of sodium hydroxide at about room temperature for from about 1 to about 3 hours; however, the case of Formula V wherein R is methoxy, R and R are methyl and R and R are hydrogen, reaction times of about 1 to about 24 hours or longer can be used and in which case the corresponding cis keto acid sodium salt of Formula VI precipitates out as an insoluble salt.

In carrying out the reactions outlined above a cis keto acid salt of Formula VI is first subjected to esterification to obtain a cis keto ester of Formula VIII. The esterification is accomplished by treatment of a compound of Formula VI with a lower alkyl halide, preferably a'bromide or iodide, containing up to 6 carbon atoms, e.g. methyl iodide, methyl bromide, and the like, in an organic solvent such as dimethylacetamide or dimethylformamide at about room temperature for from about 1 to about 10 hours.

A cis keto ester of Formula VIII is then subjected to carbonyl reduction. Carbonyl reduction of the cis keto ester can be accomplished by, for example, a Wolff- Kishner reduction, a clemmensen reduction, thicketal formation followed by treatment with Raney nickel, or an electrochemical reduction in an electrolytic cell. For example, a cis keto ester of Formula VIII is treated with a mixture of hydrazine hydrate and hydrazine hydrochloride in diethylene glycol diethyl ether at about 145 C. for a period of about three hours to afford an intermediate hydrazone. The latter intermediate is then treated with potassium hydroxide in ethylene glycol at about 180 C. or diethylene glycol at about 220 C. to afford a cis acid (X). Alternatively, a cis keto ester is reduced with amalgamated zinc and an acid such as hydrochloric acid, acetic acid or the like, to afiiord a cis ester of Formula IX. Alternatively, a cis keto ester is treated with ethanedithiol at room temperature in the presence of boron tri fluoride etherate, either alone or in an acetic acid solution, to afford a thioketal intermediate. Desulfurization of the latter intermediate with Raney nickel affords the cis ester (IX).

In the electrochemical method, reduction of a cis keto ester of Formula VIII is effected at the cathode of a divided electrolysis cell in an electrolytic medium comprising mineral acid electrolyte, water and a water-miscible inert organic solvent at a current density of about 0.01 to about 0.2 amp/cm. and at a temperature of from about C. to about 70 C., for a period of about 1 to about 16 hours. Mineral acids suitable for the electrolytic medium are sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, perchloric acid, hydrobromic acid, phosphoric acid, and the like. Preferably, sulfuric acid or perchloric acid. Water-miscible organic solvents inert to the electrolysis reaction suitable for the electrolytic medium are ethers such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, and the like, lower monohydric alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, and the like, lower alkylene glycols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and the like, mixtures of the foregoing solvents, and the like in which the cis keto ester is soluble or substantially soluble.

The amount of solvent present in the electrolytic medium can range from that amount which is sufficient to dissolve or substantially dissolve the keto ester up to about 94%, preferably from about 20% to about 85%, by weight, of the total electrolytic medium. The amount of acid in the medium can range from about 1% to about 20%, by weight, of the total electrolytic medium, preferably from about 2% to about 15% The amount of water in the medium should be at least 5% by Weight, of the total electrolytic medium, preferably from about to about 75%. A prefererd medium is an equal volume of the inert organic solvent and an equal volume of 10% to 30% aqueous sulfuric acid, by weight.

Cathode materials useful in the process of the electrochemical reduction include the high hydrogen over-voltage materials such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and the like. The cathode may be in any number of physical forms but preferably in a form having a high surface such as a sheet or a wire mesh which is sufliciently rigid to be used as a stirring means. Anode materials useful for this reduction are diflicultly oxidizable conductors such as carbon, platinum, iron, lead, and the like. In general, the anode material may be any conductor which is not attacked by the electrolytic medium in a manner which would transform it into a soluble state over a short period.

In reducing the cis keto ester electrochemically a current density of about 0.01 to about 0.2 amps./cm. preferably from about 0.02 to about 0.1 can be used. Depending primarily upon the current efficiency of the system, reduction times of about 1 to about 16 hours are generally employed. A temperature within the range of about 5 C. to about 40 C. is preferred.

Of the foregoing carbonyl reduction methods, the electrochemical reduction is preferably used for the reduction of the cis keto ester to the cis ester of Formula IX.

The cis ester of Formula IX is then converted into the cis acid of Formula X by alkaline hydrolysis. This conversion can be accomplished by treatment with an alcoholic solution of an alkali metal hydroxide such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide in methanol or ethanol at an elevated temperature, for example, about C., for a few minutes to several hours, for example, from about 30 minutes to about 4 hours or more followed by acidification with an inorganic or organic acid, e.g. an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid.

An ester of Formula IX or an acid of Formula X wherein Z is a carbon-carbon single bond can be reduced to provide the corresponding 1,2,3,4,9,l0,l1,12-octahydro compound of Formula A wherein each of Z and Z is a a single bond and R is lower alkyl or hydrogen. This reduction can be carried out using an alkali metal such as metallic potassium or sodium in liquid ammonia.

As an alternative to the above described route for preparation of the phenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acids of Formula X, there can be used the route outlined in Chart B above of VI VII(A+B) X.

In carrying out the reactions outlined above of VI VII(A+B) X, a cis keto acid salt of Formula VI is acidified with an organic or inorganic acid to afford an equilibrium mixture of a tautomeric cis keto acid of Formula VIIA and cis lactol of Formula VIIB. This equilibrium mixture is predominantly the cis lactol and for the sake of clarity and to avoid undue prolixity hereinafter reference to the cis lactol is understood to be inclusive of the cis keto acid, i.e. the equilibrium mixture. This conversion or acidification can be carried out using, for example, an aqueous solution of an organic or inorganic acid such as an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid or the like at about room temperature. This conversion or acidification can be carried out by treating either an isolated cis keto acid salt of Formula VI or by acidification of the reaction medium in which VI is present after treating a compound of Formula IV or V with an alkali metal hydroxide and thereafter isolating a thusobtained cis lactol.

A cis lactol of Formula VII is then subjected to carbonyl reduction to afford a cis acid of Formula X. This carbonyl reduction can be carried out using, for example, the carbonyl reduction methods described hereinabove in the conversion of a compound of Formula VIII into a compound of Formula IX. Preferably, the cis lactol is subjected to carbonyl reduction by the electrochemical means described above.

In the practice of the processes as outlined in Chart B, acid labile groups in a compound of Formula I or III, i.e., wherein either R or R or both is a tetrahydropyran-2- yloxy or tetrahydrofuran-2-yloxy group, are generally hydrolyzed in the course of the condensation and ring cyclization reactions to free hydroxy groups. The free hydroxy group(s) is reetherified subsequently, if desired, by treatment with dihydropyran or dihydrofuran and an acid catalyst such as p-toluenesulfonic acid either alone or in a cosolvent such as benzene to yield the corresponding 1- or 3-mono or 1,3-ditetrahydropyran-2-yloxy or -tetrahydrofuran-2-yloxy substituted enol lactone of Formula IV.

In addition, base labile groups in a compound of For mulas IV, V or IX, i.e. wherein either R or R or both is a hydrocarbon carboxylic acyloxy group, are hydrolyzed in the course of the alkaline hydrolysis reactions to free hydroxy groups which are reesterified subsequently, if desired.

In addition, acid labile groups in a compound of Formulas VII (A and B) or VIII, i.e. wherein either R or R or both is tetrahydropyran-2'-yloxy or tetrahydrofuran- 2'-yloxy are hydrolyzed in the course of the electrochemical reduction to free hydroxy groups. The free hydroxy groups are reetherified subsequently, if desired, as described hereinabove.

7 In another aspect of the present invention, compounds of the Formula A above are prepared according to the process outlined in Chart C. below wherein X is bromo or chloro and all other substituents are as defined hereinabove.

CHART C O O R R. R3 R2 f O l l is R1 NwRS R1 (IV) (XI) R 0 R (H) ii-OR ---COi\I ---CIIOII ---CHOH u H R H R (XIII) (XII To LXIV) From XIII R ICI) R (IX) CHX wherein Z isa carbon-carbon double bond wherein Z is a carbon-carbon double bond In the practice of the process as outlined in Chart C, a tetracyclic enol lactone of Formula IV is dehydrogenated using a palladium catalyst, e.g. palladium-oncharcoal and the like at an elevated temperature of about 180 C. and in the absence of a solvent to afford a novel 14,8:H lactone of Formula XI.

Alkaline hydrolysis of a 14B=H lactone of Formula XI with for example, an alcoholic solution of an alkali metal hydroxide such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide in methanol or ethanol, at an elevated temperature of about 140 C. to about 180 C. in a closed system, e.g. a sealed tube, affords an alkali metal salt of a cis hydroxy acid of Formula XII.

Esterification of a cis hydroxy acid of Formula XII with, for example, a lower alkyl halide by a procedure such as described hereinabove affords a corresponding cis hydroxy ester of Formula XIII.

Halogenation, i.e. bromination or chlorination, of a cis hydroxy ester of Formula XIII with a halogenating agent such as phosphorous tribromide, thionyl chloride and the like, either alone or in an inert organic solvent such as benzene for a period of time such as about 2 to about 18 hours at about room temperature to about C. affords a corresponding cis halo ester of Formula XIV.

Hydrogenolysis of a cis bromo or chloro ester of Formula XIV by treatment with a palladium catalyst, e.g. palladium-on-charcoal or the like, in a solvent such as ethyl acetate, an alcoholic solvent or the like containing a base such as trimethyl amine, ammonia, or the like, yields a cis ester of Formula IX (IX, Z is a carboncarbon double bond).

Hydrolysis of a cis ester of Formula IX, e.g. as described hereinabove, affords a free cis acid of Formula X (X, Z is a carbon-carbon double bond).

In the practice of the process as outlined in Chart C, acid labile groups in a compound of Formula XIII, i.e. wherein either R or R or both is the tetrahydropyran- 2-yloxy or tetrahydrofuran-2'-yloxy group, are hydrolyzed in the course of the halogenation reaction to free hydroxy groups. The free hydroxy group(s) is reetherified subsequently, if desired by treatment with dihydropyran or dihydrofuran and an acid catalyst such as ptoluenesulfonic acid either alone or in a cosolvent such as benzene to yield the corresponding 5 or 7 mono or 5,7 ditetrahydropyran 2 yloxy or tetrahydrofuran- 2-yloxy substituted cis bromo or chloro esters of Formula XIV.

In addition, base labile groups in a compound of Formula XI or IX wherein Z is a carbon-carbon double bond, i.e. wherein either R or R or both is the hydrocarbon carboxylic acyloxy group, are hydrolyzed in the course of the alkaline hydrolysis reactions to free hydroxy groups which are reesterified subsequently, if desired.

As an alternative to the processes outlined in Charts B and C, a tetracyclic enol lactone of Formula V can be converted directly to a cis of Formula X (X, Z is a carbon-carbon double bond.) For example catalytic hydrogenation of a enol lactone of Formula V with a platinum oxide catalyst in ethyl acetate solvent at room temperature for a period of about 18 hours affords a mixture of a l4/3 I-I lactone of Formula XI and a cis acid of Formula X, wherein Z is a carbon-carbon double bond. The mixture is conveniently separated by, for example, preparative column chromatography.

In another alternative to the processes outlined in Charts B and C, a cis keto ester of Formula VIII, a trans isomer thereof or a mixture of the two can be converted either separately or together to a cis acid of Formula X. For example, reduction of a cis keto ester of Formula VIII, the trans isomer thereof or a mixture of the two, with an alkali metal borohydride such as sodium borohydride, potassium borohydride and the like, in an inert organic solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, dioxane and the like, at room temperature for a period of about 1 to 24 hours, affords a corresponding cis hydroxy ester (XVI), the trans isomer thereof (XVII) or a mixture of the two.

Dehydration of a cis hydroxy ester (XVI), the trans isomer thereof (XVII) or a mixture of the two, by treatment with phosphorous oxychloride in pyridine at a low temperature such as about 0 to 20 C. for a period of about 1 to 24 hours or at an elevated temperature such as about 50 C. for a shorter period of time, affords a corresponding unsaturated ester of Formula XVIII:

(XVIII) Catalytic hydrogenation of this unsaturated ester (XVIII) such as with a nickel catalyst, e.g. Rupe nickel, affords the cis ester of Formula IX which is subsequently converted by alkaline hydrolysis such as described hereinabove, to the cis acid of Formula X. Alternatively, the unsaturated ester of Formula XVIII can be first converted to a corresponding unsaturated acid of Formula XIX by alkaline hydrolysis by the procedure described hereinabove and then the unsaturated acid of Formula XIX catalytically hydrogenated, e.g. with a nickel catalyst, by the procedure described above to afford a cis acid of Formula X.

---oon 1 =onn (XIX) As a further alternative, a hydroxy ester obtained from the borohydride reduction, as described hereinabove, can be converted to a cis or trans acid of Formula X by a series of reactions, as described in Chart C., i.e.

depending upon whether the hydroxy ester (XVI), (XVII) or a mixture thereof is used.

In still another aspect of the present invention, a process which is especially useful for the preparation of trans racemates of Formula A is to treat a tetracyclic enol lactone of either Formula IV or V with an aqueous watermiscible organic solvent solution of an alkali metal hydroxide, eg sodium or potassium hydroxide, at about room temperature for a period of about 36 hours to about 48 hours to obtain a trans keto acid of Formula XX together with a minor amount of an equilibrium mixture of the cis racemates of Formula VII (A and B). The trans keto acid can be isolated at this point, if desired, by fractional crystallization.

Thereafter, by repeating the procedures described hereinabove using the thus-obtained trans racemate of For- I0 mula XX as the starting material, there is obtained the trans acid of Formula X, that is ---ooon oam xx 1n This conversion of XX-eXA can be accomplished using the carbonyl reduction procedures described hereinabove in connection with Chart B. Thereafter, treatment of the trans racemate (XA) according to the procedure of US. Patent 2,570,582 affords an enriched mixture of the cis acid of Formula X which is therapeutically more active than the trans racemate (XA).

The phenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acids and intermediates therefor described herein are obtained in the form of their dl-mixtures which can be resolved, if desired, by methods known in the art. For example, the acids form salts With optically active amines such as brucine, cinchonine, methylamine, morphine, quinidine, quinine and strychnine. Fractional crystallization of the resulting diasteriomerio salts followed by regeneration of the free acids affords the individual d and l enantiomorphs.

The starting materials of Formula I wherein R is hydroxy, lower alkoxy, lower alkyl, cyclopentyloxy, cyclohexyloxy, lower acyloxy, tetrahydropyran-2-yloxy or tetrahydrofuran-2'-yloxy; and R is methyl or ethyl, can be prepared from a tetralone of the formulas:

I and CH2J3H wherein R" is hydrogen, hydroxy, lower alkyl or lower alkoxy. See US. Patent 3,102,914.

Conventional modifications are performed on the substituent at the 3-position of the tetralone to afford either a 3-methy1 or 3-ethy1 substituent. For example, oxidation of the substituent by treatment with Iead tetraacetate in the presence of an alkali halide such as NaBr or LiCl in an inert organic solvent such as benzene at reflux for about four hours affords the corresponding 3-halo substituent. Catalytic reduction of this CH X substituent using palladium-on-charcoal affords a 3-methy1 substituent.

The 3-ethy1 tetralones can be prepared for example, by first protecting the keto group as an ethylenedioxy group, second converting the acid group to a corresponding acid chloride by treatment with thionyl chloride. Reduction of the latter via a Rosenmund reduction affords an aldehyde which can then be converted by Wollf-Kishner reduction to the 3-ethyl tetralone. Then the ethylenedioxy protecting group is removed by treatment with acid.

Reaction of the thus-formed 3-methyl or 3-ethyl tetralone with vinyl magnesium bromide in an inert organic solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether or mixtures thereof, by a procedure such as described in J. Org. Chem. 28, 1093 (1963), affords a corresponding 3-methylor 3- ethyl-l-vinyl-l-tetralol.

Isothiouronium acetate salt formation with the latter tetralol is then effected wih isothiourea in acetic acid.

In addition, the intermediate tetralones necessary for the preparation of starting materials of Formula I can be prepared from an appropriately substituted benzoic acid as shown in the following sequence wherein R" and R are as defined above.

In the practice of the above reaction sequence a benzoic acid of Formula XXI is reacted with thionyl chloride in an inert solvent such as benzene and at the reflux temperature of the solvent for a period of about two hours to afford a corresponding acid chloride of Formula XXII.

The acid chloride is then treated with di-loweralkyl-R substituted cadmium (prepared from a corresponding lower alkyl Grignard reagent and an equivalent amount of cadmium chloride) to afford a ketone of Formula XXIII.

Condensation of the thus-obtained ketone with glyoxylic acid under basic conditions affords the afi-unsaturated-vketo acid of Formula XXIV. Catalytic hydrogenation of this acid such as with a platinum oxide catalyst followed by Woltf-Kishner reduction of the keto group, affords an acid of Formula XXV.

Ring cyclization of the latter acid with an acid such as polypliosphoric acid, stanic chloride and the like, in an inert solvent such as benzene, affords a tetralone (XXVI).

Reaction of the latter intermediate with a vinyl magnesium bromide as described hereinabove, affords an appropriately substituted l-vinyl-l-tetralol. Isothiouronium acetate salt formation with the latter is effected as described hereinabove to obtain the starting material (I).

Instead of using the thus-obtained starting material (I), i.e. the isothiouronium acetate salt, in the process of Chart B above, there can be used an unsubstituted or correspondingly substituted l-vinyl-l-tetralol as the starting material. Thus, a 6-lower alkoxy-l-vinyl-l-tetralol is refluxed With a lower alkyl substituted tetronic acid in an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent in the presence of a strong alkaline catalyst under an inert atmosphere for several hours, see U.S. 3,309,383. Use of an isothiouronium salt of Formula I is preferable in that the reaction proceeds at room temperature, excellent yields are obtained, it is not necessary to use an inert atmosphere, recovery of the tricyclic compound is easier, and it is unnecessary to employ a catalyst.

The phenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acids prepared by the processes of the present invention are valuable therapeutic agents having estrogenic activity. Compounds of Formula X above, for example, are useful in veterinary medicine for the treatment of underdeveloped females, in the poultry industry for caponization, for the fattening of cattle, and as anti-fertility agents. They can be administered in conjunction with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, orally or by injection, at a dosage level of from about 6 g. to about 1 mg. per kilogram of body weight per day. Higher or lower dosages are also practical, the most favorable dosage range being determinable by one of ordinary skill in the art giving due consideration to such factors as the age of the animal, the animals response to initial treatment, the degree or severity of the condition being treated, and the like. Useful pharmaceutical accept able excipients, solid or liquid, include water, polyalkylene glycols, vegetable oils, lactose, talc, magnesium stearate, gelatin, starches, flavoring agents, and the like.

The following examples are provided to illustrate the present invention.

EXAMPLE 1 A solution of 1 g. of 3,5-dimethoxybenzoic acid in ml. of benzene is treated with 2 g. of thionyl chloride. The mixture is heated at reflux under anhydrous conditions for two hours and then evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue is dissolved in 20 ml. of benzene and this solution is evaporated to dryness to yield 3,5-dimethoxybenzoyl chloride.

A solution of 1 g. of the latter compound in 50 ml. of anhydrous ether is heated to reflux and a solution of 5 g. of diethyl cadmium and 50 ml. of anhydrous ether is added. After being heated to reflux for 20 hours the mixture is extracted with ether. These extracts are washed with water to neutrality and evaporated to yield 3,5-dimethoxy propiophenone.

A mixture of l g. of the latter compound and 0.5 g. of glyoxylic acid in a solution of 0.5 g. of potassium hydroxide in 10 ml. of water and 10 ml. of ethanol is allowed to stand at room temperature for a period of 18 hours. The solid which forms is collected by filtration, washed with water and dried to yield 3-(3',5-dimethoxybenzoyl)-2- butenoic acid.

A suspension of 0.5 g. of 5% palladium-on-charcoal catalyst in 50 ml. of methanol is hydrogenated for 30 minutes. A solution of 1 g. of the latter compound and 200 ml. of methanol is added and hydrogenated with agitation until the uptake of hydrogen has ceased. The catalyst is removed by filtration and the solution is evaporated to yield 3-(3,5'-dimethoxybenz0yl)butanoic acid.

A mixture of 1 g. of the latter compound, 2 g. of hydrazine hydrate, 1.2 g. of potassium hydroxide, 1.2 ml. of water and 1.2 ml. of diethylene glycol is heated for 45 minutes at reflux. The mixture is cooled, water added and the product isolated by extraction with ether. These extracts are dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to yield 3-(3,5'-dimethoxybenzyl)butanoic acid.

A mixture of 1 g. of the latter material in 10ml. of polyphosphoric acid is heated on a steam bath for a period of about 8 hours. The reaction mixture is then poured into ice-water and the mixture is extracted several times With ether. The ether extracts are combined and evaporated to dryness to give 3-methyl-6,8-dimethoxy-l-tetralone.

By repeating the foregoing procedure with the exception of using 3-methoxy-5-methyl benzoic acid; 3-methoxy benzoic acid; m-toluic acid; and the like in place of 3,5-dimethoxy benzoic acid, the corresponding substituted tetralones are obtained, e.g. 3,8-dimethyl-6-methoxy-l-tetralone- 3-methyl-6-methoxy-l-tetralone; 3,8-dirnethyl-1-tetralone; and the like, respectively.

By repeating the foregoing procedure using di-n-propyl cadmium in place of diethyl cadmium, the corresponding 13 S-ethyl tetralones are obtained, i.e. 3-ethyl-6,8-dimethoxyl-tetralone; 3-ethyl-8-methyl-6-methoxy-l-tetralone; 3-ethyl 6 methoxy 1 tetralone; 3-ethyl-8-methyl-1-tetralone; and the like.

Likewise, by using an equivalent amount of dimethyl cadmium in place of diethyl cadmium in the foregoing procedure, the corresponding tetralones are obtained, i.e. 6,8- dimethoxy-l-tetralone; 8-methyl-6-methoxy-l-tetralone; 6- methoxy-l-tetralone; 8-methyl-14etralone; and the like.

A mixture of 1 g. of 3-methyl-6',8-dimethoxy-l-tetralone in 20 ml. of acetic acid is saturated with hydrogen bromide gas. The mixture is then allowed to stand for 24 hours and then the reaction mixture is concentrated. The thusobtained residue, 25 ml. of 95% methanol and 0.5 g. of potassium hydroxide is refluxed for one hour. The reaction mixture is then poured into ice water and the solid which forms is collected by filtration, washed with water and dried to yield 3-methyl-6,8-dihydroxy-l-tetralone.

By repeating this procedure using the foregoing methyl ether tetralones in place of 3-methyl-6,8-dirnethoxy-1-tetralone, the corresponding free hydroxy compounds are obtained, e.g. 3,8-dimethyl-6-hydroxy-l-tetralone; 3-methyl-6-hydroxy-l-tetralone; 3-ethyl-6,'8-dihydroxy 1 tetralone; 3-ethyl-8-methyl-6-hydroxy-l-tetralone; 3-ethyl-6-hydroxy-l-tetralone; 6,8-dihydroxy-l-tetralone; 8-methyl-6- hydroxy-l-tetralone; 6-hydroxy-1-tetralone; and the like.

A freshly prepared solution of 3 g. of vinyl bromide in 3 ml. of tetrahydrofuran is added to 0.5 g. of magnesium in 5 ml. of tetrahydrofuran to prepare a vinyl magnesium Grignard reagent. To this mixture is then added a solution of 1 g. of 3-methyl-6,8-dimethoxy-l-tetralone in 25 ml. of tetrahydrofuran and ml. of ether and the resulting mixture is held at room temperature for a period of 24 hours, then heated at reflux for one hour and then cooled. The reaction mixture is then poured into water, acidified with hydrochloric acid and stirred vigorously to decompose any excess Grignard reagent. The organic phase is then separated and the aqueous layer is extracted several times with ether. The combined ether extracts are washed with water to neutrality, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness to yield the crude 3-methyl- 6,8-dimethoxy-l-vinyl-l-tetralol.

By repeating this procedure using the other tetralones in place of 3-methyl-6,8-dimethoxy-l-tetralone, the corresponding vinyl tetralols are obtained, e.g.

3,8-dimethyl-6-methoxy-l-vinyl-l-tetralol; 3-methyl-6-methoxy-l-vinyll-tetralol; 3,8-dimethyl-l-vinyl-l-tetralol; 3-ethyl-6,8-dimethoxy- 1vinyl'1-tetralo1; 3-ethyl-8-methyl-6-methoxy-1-viny1- l-tetralol; 3-ethyl-6-methoxy-1-'vinyl-l-tetralol; 3-ethyl-8-methyl-1-vinyl-l-tetralol; 3-methyl-6,8-dihydroxy-l-vinyll-tetralol; 3,8-dimethyl-6-hydroxy-l-vinyl-l-tetralol; 3-methyl-6-hydroxy-1-vinyl-1-tetralol; 3-ethyl-6,8-dihydroxy-1-vinyl-l-tetralol; 3-ethyl-8-methyl-6-hydroxyl-vinyl-l-tetralol; 3-ethyl-6-hydroxy-1-vinyl-l-tetralol; 6,8-dihydroxy-1-vinyl-1-tetra1ol; 8-methyl-6-hydroxy-1-vinyl-1-tetralol; 6,8-dimethoxy-l-vinyl-l-tetralol; 8' -methyl- 6-methoxy-l-vinyl-l-tetralol; 8-methyl-lvinyl-l-tetralol;

and the like.

EXAMPLE 2 A mixture of 11.8 g. of thiourea and 100 ml. of acetic acid is warmed on a steam bath until the mixture becomes homogeneous. The solution is then cooled to room temperature and to it is then added 32 g. of 6-methoxy-1- vinyl-l-tetralol. The resulting mixture is agitated until the mixture again becomes homogeneous. The acetic acid is then removed by heating (SO-60 C.) under reduced pressure to atford a syrup. The syrup is poured With stirring into 70 m1. of ether. The resulting precipitate is collected M and dried to yield 2-(6-methoxy-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden)ethyl isothiouronium acetate which can be re crystallized from methanolzethe'r.

In a similar manner, by repeating the above procedure with one exception, namely substituting 3-methyl-6-methoxy-l-vinyl-1-tetralol; 6,8-dihydroxy-1-vinyl-1-tetralol; 6-hydroxy-S-methyl-l-vinyl-l-tetralol; 3-methyl-6,S-dimethoxy-l-vinyl-l-tetralol; 3,8-dimethyl-6-methoxy-l-vinyl-l-tetralol; 3-ethyl-6,8-dimethoxyl-vinyl-l-tetralol; 3-ethyl-8-methyl-6-methoxy-l-vinyl-l-tetralol; 3-ethyl-6-methoxy-l-vinyl-l-tetralol;

3 S-dimethyl- 1 -vinyll -tetr alol; 8-methyl-6-methoxy-l-vinyl-l-tetralol; S-methyl-l-vinyl-1-tetralol 6,8-dimethoxy-l-vinyl-l-tetralol;

and the like for 6-methoxy-1-vinyl-l-tetralol, there are obtained 2- 3-methyl-6-methoxy-l ,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden.)

ethyl isothiouronium acetate;

2-(6,8-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden)ethyl isothiouronium acetate;

2-(6-hydroxy-8-methyl-1,2,34-tetrahydronaphthyliden) ethyl isothiouronium acetate;

2- 3-methyl-6,8-dimethoxy- 1 ,2,3 ,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden)ethyl isothiouronium acetate;

2-(3,8-dimethyl-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden)ethyl isothiouronium acetate;

2-(3-ethyl-6,8-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden) ethylisothiouronium acetate;

2-(3-ethyl-8-methyl-6-methoxy-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden)ethyl isothiouronium acetate;

2-(3-ethyl-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden) ethyl isothiouronium acetate;

2- 3 ,8-dimethyl-1,2,3 ,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden) ethyl isothiouronium acetate;

2-(8-methyl-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden) ethyl isothiouronium acetate;

2- (8-methyl-1,2,3 ,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden) ethyl isothiouronium acetate;

2- (6, 8-dimethoxy-1,2,3 ,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden) ethyl isothiouronium acetate;

and the like, respectively.

EXAMPLE 3 To a well-stirred solution of 16.8 g. of ethyl a-propionyl propionate in ml. of anhydrous ether is added drop- Wise 17 g. of bromine at such a rate that the solution continually remains clear. After completion of the bromine addition, stirring is maintained for an additional two hours. At the end of the reaction time, the ether is evaporated under reduced pressure and the resulting oil is then dissolved in 65 ml. of xylene, and the resulting xylene mixture is refluxed for 17 hours. The xylene mixture is allowed to cool and then concentrated to a smaller volume and upon cooling deposited a precipitate of aq-dimethyl tetronic acid which is collected by filtration and recrystallized from benzenezhexane.

In a similar manner, by repeating the above procedure, the following starting materials, namely ethyl u-propionyl butyrate;

ethyl u-propionyl-fl-methyl butyrate;

ethyl a-butyroyl valerate; and

ethyl a-isovaleroyl propionate; are converted to u-ethyl- -methyl tetronic acid; a-isopropyl-v-methyl tetronic acid; a-n-propyl-y-ethyl tetronic acid; and a-methyl- -isopropyl tetronic acid; respectively.

EXAMPLE 4 To a solution of 12.5 g. of 2-(6-methoxy-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden)ethyl isothiouronium acetate in a mix ture of 80ml. of ethanol, and 100 ml. of water, is added a solution of 5.1 g. of wy-dimethyl tetronic acid in 20 ml. of ethanol. Immediately, the reaction mixture is diluted by adding an additional 80 ml. of water, stirred and allowed to stand at room temperature for a period of 16 hours. The reaction mixture is then cooled to C. for two hours, and the thus-formed precipitate collected by filtration to yield a-[2-(6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden)-ethyl]-a','y-dimethyl tetronic acid.

By repeating the procedure of this example with the exception of substituting other isothiouronium acetates for 2-(6-methoxy 1,2,3,4 tetrahydronaphthyliden)ethyl isothiouroniurn acetate, see for example, Example 2 there is obtained, e.g.,

a-[2-(3-methyl-6-methoxy-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden) -ethyl] -a', -dimethyl tetronic acid;

cc- [2-(6,8-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden)- ethyl]-a','y-dimethyl tetronic acid;

a- [2-( 6-hydroxy-8-methyl-1,2,3 ,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden -ethyl] -a,'y-dimethyl tetronic acid;

a-[2-(3-methyl-6,8-dirnethoxy-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden)-ethyl]-a','y-dimethyl tetronic acid;

a-[2-(3,8-dimethyl-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden)-ethyl]-a','y-dimethyl tetronic acid;

u-[2-(3-ethyl-6,8-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden) -ethyl] -u','y-dimethyl tetronic acid;

or [2-(3-ethyl-8-methyl-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro naphthyliden)ethyl] a -dimethyl tetronic acid;

a-[2-(3-ethyl-8-methyl-6-methoxy-l,2,3,4-tetrahydrothyliden)-ethyl-a','y-dimethyl tetronic acid;

a-[2-(3,8-dimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden) ethyl]-rx','y-dimethyl tetronic acid;

oc- [2- 8-methyl-6-methoxy- 1 ,2,3 ,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden)ethyl]- x'-'y-dimethyl tetronic acid;

a-[2-(8-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden)ethyl]- a,' -dimethyl tetronic acid;

oc- 2- (6,8-dimethoxy-1,2,3 ,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden) ethyl]-a',' -dimethyl tetronic acid and the like, respectively.

Similarly, by using other tetronic acids in the above procedure in place of wy-dimethyl tetronic acid, see for example Example 3 above, such as a-ethyl-y-methyl tetronic acid, a-isopropyl-y-methyl tetronic acid, a-(n-propyl)--y-ethyl tetronic acid, ot-methyl-y-isopropyl tetronic acid, a-methyl tetronic acid, and the like, there are obtained a- [2- (6-methoxy-l ,2,3 ,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden ethyll-d-ethyl-y-methyl tetronic acid, a- 2- 6-methoxyl ,2,3 ,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden ethyl] a'-isopr0pyl-'y-methyl tetronic acid, a-[2-(6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden)-ethyl]- a-(n-propyl)-'y-ethyl tetronic acid, a-[2-(6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden)- ethyl]-ot'-methyl- -isopropyl tetronic acid, a-[2-(6-methoxy-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden)- ethyl]-a'-methyl tetronic acid, a-[2-(3-methyl-6-methoxy-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden)-ethyl]-a'-ethyl-'y-methyl tetronic acid, a-[2-(3-methyl-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydyronaphthyliden) -ethyl]-u-(n-propyl)-v-ethyl tetronic acid, a-[2-(3-methyl-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden)-ethyl]-u-(n-propyl)-'y-tetronic acid, a-[2-(3-methyl-6-methyl-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden)-ethyl] -a'-methyl-'y-isopropyl tetronic acid, u-[2-(3-methyl-6-methoxy-1,2,3 ,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden)-ethyl]-a'-methyl tetronic acid, a-[2-(6,8-dihydroxy-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden)- ethyl]-a'ethyl-'y-methyl tetronic acid, a-[2-(6,8-dihydroxy-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden)- ethyl]-u-isopropyl-'y-methyl tetronic acid, a-[2-(6,8-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden)- ethyl]-a-(n-propyl)- -ethyl tetronic acid,

16 a-[2-(6,8-dihydroxy-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthliden)- ethyl] -a'-methyl-' -isopropyl tetronic acid, a- [2-(6,8-dihydroxy-1,2,3 ,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden ethyl]-a'-methyl tetronic acid; and the like; respectively.

EXAMPLE 5 Nine grams of a-[2-(6-methoxy l,2,3,4 tetrahydronaphthyliden)-ethyl]-a-,'y-dirnethyl tetronic acid and 460 mg. of p-toluenesulfonic acid in ml. of benzene is heated at reflux for four hours, during which time water is continuously removed from the reaction mixture by a Dean-Stark trap. After cooling, the reaction mixture is filtered through a short column of silica gel and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield 3-methoxy-15-methyl-16-oxaestra-1,3,5(10),8,l4 pentaen-l7-one which is crystallized from ether.

By repeating the above procedure with the exception of using other tricyclic compounds, see Example 4 above, as the starting material, there is obtained 3-methoxy-7,l5-dimethyl-16-oxaestra-1,3 ,5 10 ,8, l4-

pentaen-17-one;

1,3 -dihydroxy-15-methyl-16-oxaestra-1,3 ,5 10 8,14-

pentaen-17-one;

3-hydroxy-1,1S-dimethyl-l6-oxaestra-1,3,5( 10) ,8,14-

pentaen-17-one;

1,3 dimethoxy-7,IS-dimethyl-16-oxaestra-1,3,5 10) ,8,14-

pentaen-17-one;

3-methoxy-1,7,1S-trimethyl-16-oXaestra-1,3,5(10),

8,14-pentaen-17-one;

1,3 dimethoxy 7-ethyl-15-methyl-16-oxaestra- 1,3,5 l0) 8,14-pentaen-17-one;

3-methoxy-1,15-dimethyl-7-ethyl-l6-oxaestra-1,3,5

( l0) ,8,14-pentaen-17-one;

3-methoxy-7-ethyl- 15 -methyl- 1 6-oxaestra- 1 ,3,5 (10),

8, 14-pentaen- 17-one;

3-desoxy-1,7,15-trimethyl-l6-oxaestra-1,3 ,5 10),8,14-

pentaen-17-one;

3-methoxy-1,IS-dimethyl-l6-oxaestra-1,3,5(10),8,l4-

pentacn- 1 7-one;

3-desoxy-l,15-dimethyl-16-oxaestra-1,3,5( l0) ,8, l4-

pentaenl 7-one;

1,3-dimethoxy-15-methyl-16-oxaestra-1,3,5(10),8,14-

pentaen-17-one;

3-methoxy-1 3-ethyl-15-methyl-16-oxagona-l ,3,5 10

8,14-pentaen-17-one;

3-methoxy- 13-isopropyl-15-methyl-16-oxagona- 1,3,5

(10),8, l4-pentaen-17-one;

3-methoxy- 1 3-n-propyl- 15 -ethyl-1 6-oxagona- 1,3 ,5 1 0) 8,14-pentaen-17-one;

3-methoxy-15-isopropyl-16-oxaestra-1,3 ,5 10) ,8,14-

pentaen-17-one;

3-methoxy-16-oxaestra-1,3,5( l0) ,8,14-pentaen-17-one;

3-methoxy-13-ethyl-7,l5-dimethyl-16-oxagona-1,3 ,5

(10),8,14-pentaen-17-one;

3-rnethoxy-7,15-dimethyl-13-isopropyl-l6-oxagona-1,3,

5 10),8,14-pentaen-17-one;

3-methoxy-7-methyl-13-n-propyl-15-ethyl-16-oxagona- 1,3,5 10) ,8,14-pentaen-17-one;

3-methoxy-7-methyl-15-isopropyl-16-oxaestra-l,3 ,5

(10),8,14-pentaen-17-one;

3-methoxy-7-methyl-16-oxaestra-1,3 ,5 l0),8,14-

pentaen-17-one;

1,3-dihydroxy-13 -ethyl-15-methyl-16-oxagona- 1,3,5( 10) ,8,14-pentaen-l7-one;

1,3-dihydroxy-15-methyl-l3-isopropyl-16-oxagona- 1,3,5( 10) ,8, 14-pentaen-17-one;

1,3-dihydroxy-13-n-propyl-15-ethyl-16-oxagona- 1,3,5(10),8,14-pentaen-17-one;

1,3-dihydroxy-15-isopropyl-16-oxaestra-l,3 ,5 l0) 8,14-pentaen-17-one;

1,3-dihydroxy-l6-oxaestra- 1,3,5 10) ,8, l4-pentaen- 7-one;

and the like, respectively.

individual isomers as well as a mixture of the isomers unless otherwise specified.

EXAMPLE 6 A mixture of 0.5 g. of 3-methoxy-15-methyl-16- oxaestra-1,3,5(10),8,14-pentaen-17-one and 5 mg. of 5% palladium-on-charcoal catalyst and 75 ml. of xylene is heated at reflux for 36 hours. The mixture is then cooled, filtered to remove the catalyst and the filtrate is evaporated under reduced pressure to yield a residue containing predominantly 3 methoxy 15 methy1-16-oxaestra-1,3,5 (10),6,8,14hexaen-17-one and a small amount of 3-methoxy 155 methyl l6-oxa-14,B-estra-1,3,5(10),6,8-pentaen-17-one. The residue is purified by preparative thin layer chromatography and crystallized from methanol to yield 3 methoxy-15-methyl-16-oxaestra-1,3,5 l),6,8,14- hexaen-17-one.

By repeating the procedure of this example using other 16-oxa compounds, for example those of Example 5, as the starting material in place of 3-methoxy'-15-methyl-16 oxaestra-1,3,5(10),8,14-pentaen-l7-one, the corresponding 6,7-dehydro derivatives are obtained, for example,

3-methyoxy-7,15-dimethyll6-oxaestra- 1,3,5 10) ,6,8,

14-hexaen-17-one;

1,3-dihydroxy- IS-methyl-l 6-oxaestra- 1,3 ,5 10) ,6,8, 14-

hexaen-17-one;

3-hydroxy- 1, 15-dimethyl- 16-oxaestra- 1,3,5 l0) ,6,8,14-

hexaen-17-one;

1,3-dimethoxy-7, 15 -dimethyl-16-oxaestra-1,3,5 (10),

6,8,14-hexaen-17-one;

3-methoxy-1,7, 15 -trimethyl- 1 6-oxaestra- 1,3,5 10) ,6,8,

l4-hexane-17-one;

1,3-dimethoxy-7-ethyl-15-methyl-16-oxaestra-1,3,5 10

6,8,14-hexaen-17-one;

3-methoxy-1,15-dimethyl-7-ethyl-16-oxaestra-l,3,5

(10),6,8,14-hexaen-17-one;

3-methoxy-7-ethyl-1 5-methyl-16-oxaestra- 1,3,5

6,8,14-hexaen-17-one;

3-desoxy-1,7,1S-trimethyl-l6-oxaestra-l,3,5(10),6,8,14-

hexaen-17-one;

3-methoxy-1,l5-dimethyl-1 6-oxaestra-1,3,5(10),6,8,14-

hexaen-17-one;

3-desoxy-1 l 5 -dimethyl-1 6-oxaestra-1,3,5( 10 ,6,8, 14-

hexaen-17-one;

1,3-dimethoxy-l5-methyl-l6-oxaestra-1,3,5 10 ,6,8, 14-

hexaen-17-one;

3-methoxy-13-ethyl-15-methyl-l6-oxagona-1,3,5 10

6,8, l4-hexaen-17-one;

3-methoxy-13-isopropyl-1S-methyl-16-oxagona-1,3,5

(10)6,8,14-hexaen-17-one;

3-methoxy-13-n-propyl-15-ethyl-16-oxagona-1,3,5 l0) 6,8, 14-hexaen-17-one;

3-methoxy-15-isopropyl-l6-oxaestra-1,3,5 10) ,6,8, 14-

hexaen-17-one; I

3-methoxy-16-oxaestra-l,3,5 10) ,6,8,14-hexaen-17-one;

and the like; respectively.

EXAMPLE 7 A mixture of 0.5 g. of 3-methoxy-l5-methyl-l6-oxaestra-1,3,5(10),8,14-pentaen-l7-one, 0.4 g. of maleic acid and 0.25 g. of 5% palladium-on-charcoal catalyst and 75 ml. of benzene is heated ,at reflux for about 24 hours. The mixture 'is'then cooled to room temperature and 18 filtered. The filtrate is then washed with a dilute aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, dried and evaporated to yield 3 methoxy methyl 16 oxaestra-1,3,5 (l0),6,8,14-

hexaen-l7-one which is crystallized from methanol.

In a similar manner, by repeating the above procedure with the 16-oxa compounds of Example 5 as the starting material in place of 3-methoxy-l5-methyl-16-oxaestra- 1,3,5(10),8,l4-pentaen-l7-one, the corresponding 6,7-dehydro compounds are obtained.

Alternatively, dehydrogenation of the 16-oxa steroids at C-6,7 can be carried out using selenium dioxide in t-butanolin the presence of pyridine at reflux for about 48 hours or using 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone in dioxane at reflux for about 12 hours.

EXAMPLE 8 A mixture of 250 mg. of 3-methoxy-15-methyl-l6- oxaestra-1,3,5(10),6,8,14-hexaen-17-one in 25 ml. of absolute ethanol and 10 ml. of 1 N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution is allowed to stand at room temperature for 24 hours. The reaction mixture is then filtered and the thus-collected crystalline residue is washed with water and dried to yield the sodium salt of cis 7-methoxy-1- acetyl 2 methyl 1,2,3,4 tetrahydrophenanthrene- Z-carboxylic acid. 7

EXAMPLE 9 p I A mixture of 307 mg. of the sodium salt of cis 7- methoxy 1 acetyl 2 methyl l,2,3,4 -.tetrahydrophenanthrene-2carboxylic acid, 1 m1. of methyl iodide and 7 ml. of dimethylacetamide is stirred in the dark for five hours. Then, excess methyl iodide is removed by evaporation under reduced pressure. The reaction mixture is then poured into water and the mixture extracted several times with ether. The ether extracts are combined,

1 acetyl 2 methyl 1,2,3,4 tetrahydrophenanthrene- 2-carboxylic acid and the like.

EXAMPLE 10 Into the cathode compartment of a divided electrolysis cell provided with a cellulose dialysis membrane, lead electrodes (each electrode measuring 2 cm. x 5 cm. x 1.6 mm.) and a stirrer, there is added 20 mg. of the methyl ester of cis 7-methoxy-l-acetyl-2.-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid and a mixture of 15 ml. of dioxane and 15 ml. of 10% aqueous sulfuric acid (by weight). An additional amount of a mixture of 15 ml. of dioxane and 15 ml. of 10% aqueous sulfuric acid is added to the cell. A current density of 0.02 amps/cm. is applied for a period of five hours. The reaction mixture is then removed from the cell and concentrated under reduced pressure to a small volume which is then extracted several times with ether. The ether extracts are combined, washed with water and a 5% aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, dried and evaporated to dryness to furnish the methyl ester of cis 7 methoxy l ethyl 2- methyl 1,2,3,4 tetrahydrophenanthrene 2 carboxylic acid.

EXAMPLE 11 A mixture of 330 mg. of the methyl ester of cis 7- methoxy 1 ethyl 2 methyl 1,2,3,4 tetrahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid, 3.5 g. of potassium hydroxide, 7 ml. of ethanol and 7 ml. of water in a sealed tube is heated at about C. for 45 minutes. The reaction mixture is allowed to cool and is then poured into water. The resulting mixture is then acidified by the addition of dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid andextracted several times with the ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extracts are combined, dried and evaporated to furnish cis 7 methoxy 1 ethyl 2 methyl 1,2,3,4 tetrahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid.

EXAMPLE 12 A mixture of 250 mg. of 3-methoxy-l5-methyl-16- oxaestra-1,3,5(l),8,14-pentaen-l7-one in 30 ml. of ethanol and 10 ml. of l N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution is allowed to stand at room temperature for two hours. This mixture which contains the sodium salt of cis 7- methoxy 1 acetyl 2 methyl 1,2,3,4,9,10 hexahydrophenanthrene-2rcarboxylic acid is then acidified by the addition of 0.1 N aqueous hydrochloric acid. The resulting acidic mixture is then extracted several times with ether. The ether extracts are combined, dried and evaporated under reduced pressure to a residue which is crystallized from ethyl acetate to give cis 3-methoxy-1S5- methyl 15.5 hydroxy 16 oxa 14/3 estra 1,3,5(10), 8-tetraen-l7-one.

EXAMPLE 13 200 mg. of the sodium salt of cis 7-methoxy-1-acetyl-2- methyl 1,2,3,4 tetrahydrophenanthrene 2 carboxylic acid in 15 ml. of ethanol is added to 50 ml. of 0.1 N aqueous hydrochloric acid and is allowed to stand at room temperature. The resulting mixture is then extracted several times with ether. The ether extracts are combined, dried and concentrated in vacuo. The residue is then crystallized from ethyl acetate to give cis 3-methoxy-l5gmethyl 15$ hydroxy 16 oxa 14,8 estra 1,3,5(10), 6,8-pentaen-17-one, M.P. 146-148 C.

EXAMPLE 14 The procedure of Example 12 is repeated with the exception of using other 16-oxa steroids, see for example Examples 5 and 6, as the starting material in place of 3-methoxy 15 methyl 16 oxaestra 1,3,5(),8,14- pentaen-l7-one such as 3-methoxy-7,15-dirnethyl-16-oxaestra-1,3,5( 10) ,8,14-

' 'pentaen-17-one; 1,3-dihydroxy--methyl-l6-oxaestra-1,3,5(10),8,14-

pentaen- 17-one; 3-hydroxy-1,15-dimethyl-l6-oxaestra-l,3,5(10),8,l4-

pentaen-17-one; 1,3-dimethoxy-7,l5-dimethyl-l6-oxaestra-1,3,5(10),8,l4-

pentaen-17-one; 3-methoxy-1,7, IS-trimethyl-16-oxaestra-1,3,5 l0) ,8,l4-

- pentaen-17-one; 1,3-dimethoxy-7-ethyl-1S-methyll 6-oxaestra-l,3 ,5 10) 8,14-pentaen-17-one; B-methoxy- 1 15 -dimethyl-7-ethyl-l 6-oxaestra- 1,3,5 l0) 8,14-pentaen-l7-one; 3-methoxy-7-ethyl-15-methy1-16-oxaestra- 1,3,5 (10),

8,14-pentaen-17-one; 3-desoxy-1,7,15-trimethyl-16-oxaestra-1,3,5( l0),8,14-

pentaen- 17 -one; 3-methoxy- 1 15-dimethyll 6-oxaestra- 1,3 ,5 1O ,8, 14-

pentaen-17-one; 3-desoxy-1,15-dimethyl-16-oxaestra-1,3,5(10),8,14-

pentaen-17-one; 1,3-dimethoxy-15-methyl-16-oxaestra-1,3,5( l0),8,14-

pentaen-l7-one; 3-methoxy-13-ethyl-7,15-dimethyl-l6-oxagona-1,3,5( l0) 8,14-pentaen-17-one; 3-methoxy-13-isopropyl-7, l5-dimethyl-16-oxagona- 1,3,5 10) ,8,14-pentaen-l7one; 3-methoxy-7-methyl-13-n-propyl-15-ethyl-l 6-oxagona- 1,3,5( 10) ,8, 14-pentaen-17-one; 3-methoxy-7-methyl- 15 -isopropyll 6-oxaestral ,3 ,5 l0) 8,14-pentaen-l7-one;

20 3-methoxy-7-methyl-l6-oxaestra-1,3,5(10)8,14-

pentaen-17-one;

and the like; and the corresponding 6,7-dehydro com pounds, and there is obtained first the sodium salt; namely the sodium salt of cis 7-methoxy-2, 1 O-dimethyll-acetyl-l ,2,3,4,9, l O-hexahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid;

cis 5,7-dihydroxy-1-acetyl-2-methyl-1,2,3,4,9,lO-hexahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid;

cis 7-hydroxy-l-acetyl-2,5-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,9,10-hexahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid;

cis 5,7-dimethoxy-1-acetyl-2,10-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,9,10-

hexahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid;

cis 7-methoxy-l-acetyl-2,5,l0-trimethyl-1,2,3,4,9,10-hexahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid;

cis 5,7-dimethoxy-l-acetyl-Z-methyl-lO-ethyl-1,2,3,4,9,10-

hexahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid;

cis 7-methoxy-1-acetyl-2,S-dimethyl-l0-ethyl-1,2,3,4,9,10-

hexahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid;

cis 7-methoxy-1-acety1-2-methyl-10-ethyl-1,2,3,4,9,10-

hexahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid;

cis 2,5 1 O-trimethyll-acetyll ,2,3 ,4,9,10-hexahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid;

cis 7-methoxy-2,5-dimethyl-l-acetyl-1,2,3,4,9,10-hexahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid;

cis 2,5 -dimethyl-l-acetyl-1,2,3,4,9,10-hexahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid;

cis 5,7-dimethoxy-2-methyl-l-acetyl-l,2,3,4-hexahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid;

cis 7-methoxy-1-acetyl-2-ethyl-l O-methyl- 1,2,3 ,4,9,10-

hexahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid;

cis 7-methoxy-1-acetyl-2-isopropyl-IO-methyl-1,2,3,4, 9,10-hexahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid;

cis 7-metl1oxy-1-propionyl-2-propyl-10methyl-l,2,3,4,9,

1(l-hexahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid;

cis 7-methoxy-1-s-butyryl-2,IO-dimethyl-l,2,3,4,9,10-

hexahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid;

cis 7-methoxy-2,IO-dimethyl-l-formyl-1,2,3,4,9,IO-hexahydrophenanthrene-2-carb0xylic acid;

and the like, and the corresponding 9,10-dehydro or -unsaturated compounds (i.e. the corresponding l,2,3,4-tetrahydro compounds); respectively, which can be isolated at this point by concentration of the reaction mixture, if desired, or acidified as in Example 12 to afiord cis 3-methoxy-7,15-dimethyl-l5g-hydroxy-16-oxa-14B- estra-l,3,5 10 ,8-tetraen-l7-one;

cis 1,3-dihydroxy-155-methyl-l5g-hydroxy-16-oxa-145- estra- 1,3 ,5 l0) ,8-tetraen- 17-one;

cis 3-hydroxy-1,155-dimethyl-l5g-hydroxy-16-oxa-l45- estra-1,3,5(10),8-tetraen-l7-one;

cis 1,3-dimethoxy-7, l 5 g-dimethyl- 15 g-hydroxyl6-oxa- 14fi-estra- 1,3 ,5 l0) ,8-tetraenl7-one; Y

cis 3 -methoxy-1,7,155-trimethyl-l5g-hydroxy-l6-oxa-14B- estra-1,3 ,5 1 0) ,8-tetraen-17-one;

cis 1,3-dimethoxy-7-ethyl-ISE-methyl-lSg-hydroxy-16- oxa- 14fl-estra- 1,3,5 10) ,8-tetraenl 7-one;

cis 3-methoxy-l,1Sig-dimethyl-15.5-hydroxy-7-ethyl-l 6- oxa--estra-1,3,5 l0) ,8-tetraen-l7-one;

cis 3-methoxy-7-ethyl-15g-methyl- 15.5-hydroxy-16-oxa- 14/8-estra-1,3,5(10),8-tetraen-17-one;

cis l,7,l5g-trimethyl-15g-hydroxy-16-oxa-14f3-estra- 1,3,5(10),8-tetraen-17-one;

cis 3-methoxy-1,15-dimethyl-l5g-hydroxy-16-oxa- 14 8- estra- 1,3,5 10 ,8-tetraen-17-one;

cis l l 5 E-dimethyl- 15 g-hydroxy- 1 6-oxal4/3-estra- 1,3

5 l0) ,8-tetraen-17-one;

cis 1,3-dimetl1oxy-155-methyl-l5g-hydroxy-16-oxa-l4pestra-1,3,5(10),8-tetraen-17-one;

cis 3-mcthoxy-13-cthyl-7,l5-dimethyl-15.5-hydroxy-l 6- oxa- 14fl-gona- 1,3,5 l O ,S-tetraenl7-one;

cis 3-rnethoxyl 3-isopropyl-7,155-dimethyl-15g-hydroxy- 16-oxa-14B-gona-1,3,5 l0),8-tetraen-17-one;

cis 3-methoxy-13-n-propyl-l5-ethyl-l5-hydroxy-7- methyl-16-oxa-14B-gona-1,3,5( 10) ,S-t'etraen- 17-one;

cis 3-methoxy-15g-isopropyl-l5i-hydroxy-7-methyl-l6 oxa-14fl-estra-1,3,5(10),8-tetraen-17-one;

cis 3-methoxy-7-methyl-15 .E-hydroxy-16-oxa-l4/3-estra- 1,3,5 (10),8-tetraen-17-one;

and the like, and Corresponding 6,7-dehydro compounds (i.e. the corresponding 1,3,5 (l),6,8-pentaen compounds); respectively.

1 EXAMPLE 1s The process of Example is repeated 'wvith the exception that aqueous sulfuric acid is used in place of the 10% aqueous sulfuric acid and the cis keto ester (i.e. the methyl ester of cis 7-methoxy-1-acetyl-2-methyl-1,2, 3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene2-carboxylic acid) starting material is replaced with the cis lactols obtained in Examples 12 and 14 as the starting material and there is obtained cis 7-methoxy-1-ethyl-2-methyl-1,2,3,4,9,IO-hexahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylie acid;

cis 7-methoxy-2,l0-dimethyl-l-ethyl-1,2,3,4,9,10-hexahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid; 1

cis 5,7-dihydroxy-1-ethyl-2-methyl 1,2,3,4,9,IO-hexahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid;

cis 7-hydroxy-1-ethyl-2,5-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,9,IO-hexahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid;

cis 5,7-dimethoxy-1-ethyl-2,10-dimethy1-1,2,3,4,9,l0-

hexahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid;

cis 7- methoxy-1-ethyl-2,5,10-trimethyl-1,2,3,4,9,10-

hexahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid;

cis 5-7-dimethoxy-1,10-diethyl-2-methyl-1,2,3,4,9,10-

hexahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid;

cis 7-methoxy-l,10-diethyl-2,5-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,9,10-

hexahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid;

cis 7-methoxy-1,IO-diethyl-Z-methyl-1,2,3,4,9,10-

hexahydrophenafithrene-Z-carboxylic acid; I

cis 2,5 ,10-trimethyl-1-ethyl-1,2,3 ,4,9,10-hexahydrov phenanthrene-Z-caiboxylic acid; r

cis'7-methoxy-2,5-dimethyl-1-ethyl1,2,3,4,9,10-hexahy- 4 drophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid;

cis 2,5-dimethy1-1-ethyl-1,2,3,4,9,l0-hexahydro phenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid; Q I

cis 5,7-dimethoxy-2-methyl-l-ethyl-l,2,3,4,9,IO-heXahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid;

cis 7-methoxy-1,2-diethyl-10-methyl-1,2,3,4,9,10-hexahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid; v V

cis 7-methoxy-l-ethyl-Z-isopropyl-l0-methyl-1,2,3,4,9,10-

hexahydrophenanthrene 2-carboxylic acid;

cis 7-methoxy-1,2-di(n-propyl)-10-methyl-1,2,3,4,9,10-

hxahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid;

cis 7-methoxy-1-s-butyl-2,10-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,9,10-

hexahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid;

cis 7-methoxy-l, 2,10-trimethyl-l,2,3,4,9,10-hexahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid;

and the like; and the corresponding 9,10-dehydro compounds; respectively.

EXAMPLE 16 crystallized from ether-hexane, M .P, 183-185 0 V 7Z5; 1770 amtrepresented by the formula:

By using other 16-oxa steroids, for example, those of Example 5 above, as the starting material in the above process in place of 3-methoxy-1S-methyl-16-oxaestra-l,3, 5(10),8,14 pentaen-17-one, the corresponding cis saturated lactone is obtained, for example,

3-methoxy-7, 15 g-dimethyl- 1 6-oxa- 14 8-estra 1,3,5 (10) ,6,8-pentaen-17-one; 1,3-dihydroxy-1Sig-methyl-l6-oxa-l4 8-estra- "1,3,5(10),6,8-pentaen-l7-one; 3-hydr0xy-1,15.5-dimethyl-16-oxa-14fi-estra- 1,3,5(10),6,8-pentaen-17-one; 1,3-dimethoxy-7, 15 g-dimethyl- 1 6-oxa-14/3-estra- 1,3,5 (10),6,=8-pentaen-17-one; I 3-methoxy-l,7,1SE-trimethyl-16-oxa-14fl-estra- 1,3,5(10),6;8-pentaenl7-one; 1,3-dimethoxy-7-ethyl-1Sig-methyl-16-oxa-14/3-estra- 1,3,5(10);6,8-pentaen-17-one; 3-hydroxy-1, -dimethyl-7-ethyl-l6-oxa-14fi-estra- 1,3,5 10) ,6,'8-pentaen-17-one; 3-methoxy-7-ethyl-15-methyl-16-oxa-14/3-estra- 1,3=,5( 10) ,'6,8-pentaen-17-0ne; 3methoxy-13-ethyl-15g-methyl-l 6-oxa-14p-gona- 1,3,5 10) ,6;8-pentaen-l7-one; 3-methoxy-13-isopropyl-l5emethyl-16-oxa-14fi-gona- 1,3,5(10),6,8-pentaen-l7-one; 3-methoxy-l3-n-propyl-15E-ethyl-l6-oxa-14fl-gona- 1,3,5(10),6,8-pentaen-l7-one; 3-methoxy-15g-isopropyll6-oxal4 9-estra- 1,3,5 10),6,8-pentaen-17-one, and the like;

I I EXAMPLE 17 A mixture of l g. cis 3-methoxy-15z3-methyl-l6-oxal4fl-estra-l, 3,5(10),6,8-pentaen-17-one and 50 m1. of 5% ethanolic sodium hydroxide solution is heated at C. for five hours in a sealed tube. The reaction mixture is allowed to cool, saturated with carbon dioxide, filtered, and the filtrate concentrated to give the sodium salt of cis 7-methoxy 1 Q (l'-hydroxy-ethyl)-2-methyl-l,2,3,4- tetrahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboXylic acid which is represented by the following formula.

CH3 (I) p ix-0N3 --o-H 019GB:

The above-prepared sodium salt is added to 50 m1. of dioxane and 5 ml. of methyl iodide and the resulting mixture is heated at about 90 C. for two hours. Excess methyl iodide is then removed by evaporation under reduced pressure and the reaction mixture is extracted several times with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extracts are combined and evaporated to give the methyl ester of cis 7-methoxy-1-( 1-hydroxyethyl)-2-methyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid.

.A mixture of the above prepared methyl ester, 5 ml. of

, thionyl chloride and 50 ml. of benzene is allowed to stand at room temperature for eight hours. The reaction mixture is then evaporated under reduced pressureto yield a chloro intermediate of the following formula:

CH; O

4. are... CH O-K/ The above prepared chloro intermediate is dissolved in ethanol containing 1 ml. of ammonium hydroxide and 100 mg. of palladium-on-charcoal catalyst and the resulting mixture is allowed to stand at room temperature for two hours. The mixture is then filtered and the filtrate is evaporated under reduced pressure to give the methyl ester of cis 7-methoxy-l-ethyl-Z-methyl-l,2,3,4- tetrahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid. Then, by using the procedure of Example 11, the thus-prepared methyl ester is hydrolyzed to the free acid, namely, cis 7-methoxy-l-ethyl-Z-methyl- 1,2,3,4 tetrahydrophenanthrene- 2-carboxylic acid or, in other words, cis bisdehydrodoisynolic acid.

By repeating the procedures of this example using as the cis lactone starting material, the cis lactones obtained in Example 16, the corresponding sodium salt, methyl ester, chloro intermediate, methyl ester and free acid; respectively, are obtained, for example the sodium salt of cis 7-methoxy-1-( 1'-hydroxyethyl)-2,10-dimethyl-1,2,3,4- tetrahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid, the methyl ester of cis 7-methoxy-1-(1'-hydroxyethyl)-2,l0-dimethy1- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene 2 carboxylic acid, the methyl ester of cis 7-methoxy-1-(1'-chloroethyl)-2,10dimethyl1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid, the methyl ester of cis 7-methoxy-1-ethyl-2,IO-dimethyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid, and cis 7-methoxy-1-ethyl-2,10dimethyl-1,2,3,4 tetrahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid; and the like.

EXAMPLE 18 50 mg. of S-methoxy--methyl-16-oxaestra-1,3,5(10), 6,8,l4-hexaen-17-one in 5 ml. of ethyl acetate is hydrogenated with 30 mg. of prehydrogenated platinum oxide catalyst for 18 hours at room temperature. The reaction mixture is then filtered and the filtrate is evaporated to give a mixture of cis 7-methoxy-1-ethyl-2-methyl-1,2,3,4- tetrahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid and cis 3-mothoxy-15E-methyl-16-oxa-14fi-estra-1,3,5(10),6,8-pentaen- 17-one which is separated by preparative chromatography on silica gel using ethyl acetatezhexane (2:8). The cis 7- methoxy-l-ethyl 2 methyl 1,2,3,4 tetrahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid can be further purified by recrystallization from methanol, if desired.

In a similar manner, using the above procedure, other 16-oxa steroids (see Example 6, for example) can be converted into the corresponding cis acid and cis saturated lactone.

EXAMPLE 19 A mixture of 250 mg. of 3-methoxy-15-methyl-16-oxaestra-1,3,5(10),8,14-pentaen-17-one in 30 ml. of ethanol and 10 ml. of 1 N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution is allowed to stand at room temperature for two hours. The reaction mixture is then extracted with ether several times. The ether extracts are combined, dried and evaporated to give the sodium salt of cis 7-methoxy-1-acetyl-2- methyl-1,2,3,4,9,10 hexahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid.

Similarly, using other 16-0xa steroids (see e.g. Ex. 5 and 6) as the starting material in the above process, the correponding cis sodium salt is obtained.

The above prepared sodium salts of cis 7-methoxy-lacetyl-2-methyl-1,2,3,4,9,10 hexahydrophenanthrene-Z- carboxylic acid is subjected to the procedure of Example 9 and the corresponding methyl ester is obtained.

EXAMPLE 20 To a mixture of l g. of cis 7-methoxy-l-ethyl-Z-methyl- 1,2,3,4,9,l0-hexahydrophenanthrene 2 carboxylic acid and 125 ml. of liquid ammonia is added 0.5 g. of metallic sodium and 7 ml. of aniline. The resulting mixture is stirred for about 1.5 hours. About 2 parts of ammonium chloride is then added with stirring. Then, the reaction mixture is allowed to stand until the ammonia has evaporated. The residue is taken up in waterzmethylene chloride. The resulting mixture is separated and the aqueous layer is extracted with methylene chloride. The methylene chloride layer and methylene chloride extract are combined, dried and evaporated to furnish cis 7-methoxy-1- ethyl 2 methyl 1,2,3,4,9,10,11,12 octahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid.

Similarly, by use of the above hydrogenation procedure, the other 1,2,3,4,9,10-hexahydrophenanthrene compounds described herein, see Examples 12, 15 and 19, for example, are converted into the corresponding 11,12-dihydro compounds.

EXAMPLE 21 A mixture of 0.5 g. of ot-[2-(6-methoxy-3,4-dihydronaphthylene)-ethyl]-a','y-dimethyl tetronic acid, 5 mg. of 5% palladium-on-charcoal catalyst and 75 ml. of xylene is heated at reflux for 36 hours. The mixture is then cooled, filtered and the filtrate is evaporated to furnish the corresponding 3,4-dehydro compound of the following formula:

0 CH3 I By repeating the above process using the other 3,4-dihydronaphthalene compounds of Example 31 as the starting material, the corresponding 3,4-dehydro or naphthalene compounds are obtained; e.g. a-[2-(3-methyl-6-methoxy-naphthylene)ethyl]-w,'y-dimethyl tetronic acid; a. [2 (6,8-dihydroxy-naphthylene)-ethyl]-a,'y-dimcthyl tetronic acid; on [2 (6-hydroxy-S-methylnaphthylene)- ethyl]-a,'y-dimethyl tetronic acid; a-[2-(3-methyl-6,8-dimethoxy-naphthylene-ethyl]-a',* -dimethyl tetronic acid; andthe like, respectively.

By utilizing the above prepared tricyclic compounds in the process of Example 5, the corresponding tetracyclic enol lactones (16-oxa steroids) are obtained, for example, 3 methoxy-15-methyl-16-oxaestra-1,3,5 10) ,6,8,14-hexaen -17- one, 3 methoxy-7,1S-dimethyl-l6-oxaestra-1,3,5 l0) ,6,8,l4-hexaen-17-one, 1,3-dihydroxy-15-methyl-16- oxaestra-1,3,5(10),6,8,14-hexaen-17-one, 3-hydroxy-1,15- dimethyl 16 oxaestra 1,3,5(10),6,8,14-hexaen-17-one, 1,3 dimethoxy-7,1S-dimethyl-16-oxaestra-1,3,5(10),6,8, 14-hexaen-17-one, and the like, respectively.

EXAMPLE 22 A mixture of 670 mg. of 3-methoxy-15-methy1-16-oxaestra-l,3,5(10),6,8,14-hexaen-17-one in ml. of dioxane and 45 ml. of 0.1 N aqueous sodium hydroxide is allowed to'stand at 20 C. for 36 hours. The solvents are then removed by evaporation under reduced pressure. The resulting residue is diluted with water and acidified by adding dilute hydrochloric acid. This aqueous mixture is extracted several times with ether. The ether extracts are combined and then evaporated to dryness to yield an oil containing a mixture of trans 7-methoxy-1-acetyl-2- methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid and 3 methoxy 15$ methyl-15g-hydroxy-16-oxa-14flestra-1,3,5(l0),6,8-pentaen-l7-one. The oil is recrystallized from benzene: hexane to yield the trans acid as the Similarly, using the other 16-oxa steroids obtained in Ex. and 6, the corresponding trans acid and lactol are obtained.

By subjecting the thus-obtained trans keto acid to the reduction procedure of Example 10, there is obtained trans bisdehydrodoisynolic acid.

In a similar manner, the trans keto acids obtained by the process of this example using the 16-oxa steroids of Ex. 5 and 6 as the starting material can be subjected to the process of Example 10 to obtain the trans free acid.

The thus-obtained trans acid, e.g. trans bisdehydrodoisynolic acid can be converted into an enriched mixture of the cis racemate using the procedure of US. Patent 2,570,582.

EXAMPLE 23 A mixture of 200 mg. of 3-methoxy-15g-methyl-15ghydroxy 16-oxa-14B-estra-1,3,5(l0),6,8-pentaen-17-one, 1 g. of sodium carbonate, 1 ml. of methyl iodide and 20 ml. of dimethyl acetamide is stirred in the dark for five hours, After this time, excess mixture is removed by evaporation under reduced pressure. The reaction mixture is then poured into water and the aqueous solution is extracted several times with ether. The combined ether extracts are washed with water, 5% aqueous sodium thiosulfate solution, dried and evaporated to yield the methyl ester of cis 7-methoxy-1-acety1-2-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid.

EXAMPLE 24 Four ml. of dihydropyran is added to a solution of 1 g. of 1,B-dihydroxy-15-methyl16-oxaestra-1,3,5 10) ,6,8;14- hexaen-17-one in 15 ml. of benzene. About 1 ml. is removed by distillation to remove moisture and 0.4 g. of p-toluenesulfonic acid is added to the cooled solution. This mixture is allowed to stand at room temperature for 4 days. The mixture is then washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and water, dried and evaporated to give 1,3-bis(tetrahydropyran-2'-yloxy)-15-methyl-16-oxaestra-1,3,5(10),6,8,l4-hexaen-l7-one which can be purified, if desired, by chromatography.

By repeating the above procedure with the exception of using an equivalent amount of other free hydroxy compounds described herein as the starting material, e.g. 1,3 dihydroxy-1S-methyl-16-oxaestra-1,3,5(10),8,14-pentaen-l7-one; cis 5,7-dihydroxy-1-ethyl-2-methyl-1,2,3,4,9, 10 -hexahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid and the methyl ester thereof; cis 5,7-dihydroxy-l-ethyl-2-methyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid and the methyl ester thereof, 1,3-dihydroxy-lSE-methyl-l6-oxa- 14/3-estra-1,3,5(10),6,8-pentaen-l7-one;.cis 5,7-dihydroxyl ethyl 2 methyl-l,2,3,4,9,10,11,l2-octahydrophenan threne-2-carboxylic acid and the methyl ester thereof; and the like, the corresponding tetrahydropyranyl ethers are obtained.

By repeating the procedure of this example using dihydrofuran in place of dihydropyran, the corresponding tetrahydrofuranyl ethers are obtained.

EXAMPLE 25 A mixture of 1 g. of 1,3 dihydroxy 1 s methyl-16- oxaestra-1,3,5(10),6,8,l4-hexaen-17-one in 45 ml. of 85% 2 6 formic acid is stirred for two hours at C. The mixture is cooled in ice and filtered to give 1,3-diformyloxy-l5- methyl-16-oxaestra-1,3,5( l0),6,8,l4-hexaen-l7-one.

EXAMPLE 26 A mixture of l g. of 1,3 dihydroxy 15 methyl-16- oxaestra-1,3,5(10),6,8,l4-hexaen-17-one, 4 ml. of pyridine and 4 ml. of acetic anhydride is allowed to stand at room temperature for 15 hours. The mixture is then poured into ice water and the solid which forms is collected by filtration, washed with water and dried to yield 1,3-diacetoxy- IS-methyl-16-oxaestra-1,3,5(10),6,8,14-hexaen-17-one.

By repeating the above procedure using an equivalent amount of other free hydroxy compounds described herein, the corresponding ester is obtained, e.g. 1,3-diacetoxy- 15 methyl 16 oxaestra 1,3,5(10),8,l4 pentaen 17- one; cis 5,7-diacetoxy-1-ethyl-2-methyl-1,2,3,4,9,10-hexahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid and the methyl ester thereof; 1,3 diacetoxy 15g methyl 16-oxa-l4B-estra- 1,3,5, 10) ,6,8-pentaen-17-one; cis 5,7-diacetoxy-1-ethyl-2- methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid and the methyl ester thereof; and the like.

EXAMPLE 27 A solution of one chemical equivalent of the methyl ester of cis 7-hydroxy-l-acetyl2,5-dimethyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid in 30 ml. of benzene is heated to reflux and about 2 ml. removed by distillation to eliminate moisture. The mixture is cooled to room temperature and two chemical equivalents of sodium hydride are added, followed by dropwise addition of two chemical equivalents of cyclopentyl bromide in 10 ml. of benzene over a period of 20 minutes. The mixture is allowed to reflux for 20 hours after which time the precipitate of sodium bromide is removed by filtration and the organic phase dried and evaporated to yield the methyl ester of cis 7 cyclopentyloxy 1 acetyl 2,5-dimethyl-1,2,3,4- tetrahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid which is further purified upon recrystallization from pentane.

By repeating the above procedure using an equivalent amount of cyclohexyl bromide in place of cyclopentyl bromide, there is obtained, the methyl ester of cis 7-cyclohexyloxy 1 acetyl 2,5 dimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid.

Similarly, by using an equivalent amount of other free hydroxy compounds described herein in place of the methyl ester of cis 7-hydroxy-1-acetyl-2,5-dimethyl-1,2,3,4- tetrahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid in the above process the corresponding cyclopentyl ether and cyclohexyl ether are obtained, e.g. cis 5,7-dicyclopentyloxy-l-ethyl-Z- methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid; cis 7 cyclopentyloxy 1 ethyl 2,5 dimethyl 1,2,31,4- tetrahydrophenanthrene 2 carboxylic acid; cis 7 cyclopentyloxy 2,10 dimethyl 1 ethyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid; cis S-cyclopentyloxy-lethyl 2 methyl 1,2,3,4,9,l0-hexahydrophenanthrene- 2-carboxylic acid; bis(1,3-cyclopentyloxy)-15-methyl-16- oxaestra 1,3,5(10),6,8,14 hexaen 17 one; trans 5,7- dicyclopentyloxy l ethyl Z-methyl-1,2,3,4,9,l0-hexahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid; and the like.

EXAMPLE 28 Similarly, by using an equivalent amount of other lower carboxylic anhydrides in place of acetic anhydride, for

example, propionic anhydride, n-butyric anhydride, n-

caproic anhydride, trimethylacetic anhydride, and the like, the corresponding ester is obtained Likewise, by using an equivalent amount of other free hydroxy compounds described herein in place of 3- hydroxy 1,15 dimethyl 16 oxaestra-l,3,5(l),8,l4- pentaen-17-one, e.g. 6,8-dihydroxy-l-tetralone, 6-hydroxy- 1-tetralone, cis 5,7 dihydroxy l ethyl-2-methyl-1,2,3,4- tetrahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid, and the like, the corresponding esters are obtained.

EXAMPLE 29 Two milliliters of dihydropyran are added to a solution of 1 g. of 3 hydroxy 1,15 dimethyl-16-oxaestra- 1,3,5(l0),6,8,14 hexaen l7 one in ml. of benzene. about 1 ml. is removed by distillation to remove moisture and 0.4 g. of p-toluenesulfonic acid is added to the cooled solution. This mixture is allowed to stand at room temperature for 4 days, and is then washed with aqueous sodium carbonate solution and water, dried and evaporated. The residue is chromatographed on neutral alumina, eluting with hexane, to yield 3-(tetrahydropyran-2'- yloxy) 1,15 dimethyl 16 oxaestra-l,3,5(l0),6,8,l4- hexaen-l7-one which is recrystallized from pentane.

EXAMPLE To a suspension of 5 g. of the methyl ester of cis 7- hydroxy 1 acetyl-2,5-dimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid in 25 ml. of acetone is added a solution of 70 g. of potassium hydroxide in 37.5 ml. of water and the stirred mixture is treated dropwise with 19 ml. of dimethyl sulfate. The mixture is stirred for an additional minutes and then poured into dilute hydrochloric acid. The solid which forms is collected by filtration and dried to yield the methyl ester of cis 7-methoxy-1-acetyl- 2,5 dimethyl 1,2,3,4 tetrahydrophenanthrene 2- carboxylic acid which is recrystallized from chloroform: methanol.

EXAMPLE 31 A mixture of 1 g. of a-[Z-(6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden)-ethyl-a','y-dimethy1 tetronic acid, 20 ml. of chloroform and 4 drops of hydrochloric acid is allowed to stand at room temperature for two hours. Then the reaction mixture is concentrated to dryness to give a-[2-(6- methoxy 3,4 dihydronaphthylene)-ethyl]-a','y-dimethyl tetronic acid.

By repeating the above procedure using as the starting material other l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyliden compounds of Example 4, the corresponding 1,2-dehydro compounds are obtained, e.g.

a-[2-(3-methyl-6-methoxy-3,4-dihydronaphthylene)- ethyl]-a,'y-dimethyl tetronic acid;

oc- 2- 6,S-dihydroxy-3,4-dihydronaphthylene -ethyl] ayy-dimethyl tetronic acid;

a- 2- 6-hydroxy-8-methyl-3 ,4-dihydronaphthylene) ethyl]-u',' -dimethyl tetronic acid;

a-[2-(3-methyl-6,8-dimethoxy-3,4-dihydronaphthylene)- ethyl]-a,'y-dimethyl tetronic acid;

and the like.

EXAMPLE 32 To a solution of 1 g. of cis, 5,7-dimethoxy-1-ethyl-2- methyl 1,2,3,4 tetrahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid in 25 ml. of benzene, there is added with stirring a molar equivalent of potassium bicarbonate. This mixture is stirred until the evolution of carbon dioxide ceases and then the mixture is evaporated to furnish the potassium salt of cis 5,7 dimethoxy-1-ethyl-2-methyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene-Z-carboxylic acid.

By repeating the above procedure using other acids described herein, see for example Examples 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 27, as the starting material, the corresponding potassium acid salts are obtained.

EXAMPLE 33 By subjecting the cis keto esters of Example 19 to the processes of Examples 10 and 11, the corresponding free cis acids are obtained.

EXAMPLE 34 One gram of trans 7-methoxy-2,IO-dimethyl-l-acetyl- 1,2.3,4,9,IO-hexahydrophenanthrene 2 carboxylic acid is added slowly with stirring to a mixture of 1 gram of sodium borohydride in ml. of ethanol. This mixture is then diluted with water and stirred for about one hour at room temperature. Then, the reaction mixture is acidified by the addition of dilute hydrochloric acid followed by dilution with cold water. The thus-formed solid is collected by filtration, washed with water and dried to give trans 7-methoxy-2,10-dimethyl-1-(1'-hydroxyethyl) 1,2, 3,4,9,10-hexahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid which can be further purified by recrystallization from acetonehexane.

By repeating the process of this example using an equivalent amount of other l-acyl containing compounds, see for example Examples 9, 19, 22, 23, 27 and 30, in place of trans 7-methoxy-2,IO-dimethyl-l-acetyl 1,2,3,4,9,10- hexahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid as the starting material, there are obtained the corresponding 1-(1'-hydroxyalkyl) compounds.

EXAMPLE 35 A mixture of 1 g. of 1,3-dimethoxy-l5-methy1-16-oxaestra-l,3,5(10),8,14-pentaen-l7-one, 0.5 g. of potassium carbonate and ml. of aqueous ethanol (1:1) is refluxed for four hours. The mixture is then cooled to room temperature, concentrated to dryness under vacuum and the residue chromatographed on silica gel to yield the potassium salt of trans 5,7-dimethoxy-l-acetyl-Z-methyl- 1,2,3,4,9,10-hexahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid.

What is claimed is:

1. A compound selected from the group consisting of those of the following Formulas E and F:

wherein R is hydrogen, lower alkyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, or

lower alkanoyl; R is methyl or ethyl; R is methyl, ethyl, or propyl; R is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl or propyl; R is hydrogen, lower alkyl, sodium, or potassium;

provided that when R is sodium or potassium that R is not lower alkanoyl.

2. A compound selected from those of Formula E of claim 1 wherein each of R, R R and R is methyl, and R is hydrogen.

29 30 3. The compound according to claim 2 which is lu- OTHER REFERENCES ethyl-213,IOa-dimethyIJ-methoxy 1,2,3,4,'9,10 hexahy- Fieser et a1 Steroids 1959 49 drophenanthrcne-Za-carboxylic acid.

4. The compound according to claim 2 which is 1a- LORRAINE WEINBERGER, Primary Examiner ethyl-213,105-dimethyl-7-methoxy 1,2,3,4,9,10 hexahy- 5 drophenanthrenc-Za-carboxylic acid. GERSTL Asslstant Exammer R E Ct d US. Cl. X.R.

e erences 1 e 204-75; 260-343.3, 343.6, 345.7, 345.8, 345.9, 347.2, UNITED STATES PATENTS 347.3, 347.4, 468.5, 479 R, 501.15, 515 R, 520, 544 M, 2,621,210 12/1952 Mescher et a1 260-52O 10 590, 592; 424308 3,318,925 5/1967 Anner et al 260-3974 

